Traffic Violations Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri

From unintentional speeding to accidentally running a red light, traffic violations can happen to the best of us. But what should you do when you find yourself faced with a ticket, or worse, points on your driving record?  

The firm Bretz Legal, LLC serves clients throughout St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County, working to shed light on common traffic violations in St. Louis and offering insights into how individuals can effectively deal with them—and when it's crucial to seek the guidance of a traffic violations attorney. We prioritize your needs and rights.  

Attorney Anthony Bretz's approach to legal defense is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, he offers tailored strategies focused on securing the best possible outcome for each client. With in-depth investigations and compassionate client treatment, Bretz Legal, LLC is here, ready to support you. 

Common Traffic Violations and Their Consequences

Traffic laws are designed to ensure the safety and order of roadways for everyone. Despite this, violations happen. In St. Louis and the surrounding areas, some of the most common traffic infractions include: 

• Speeding 

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 

• Reckless driving 

• Running red lights or stop signs 

• Failure to yield 

• Driving without a valid license or insurance 

• & more 

Understanding and abiding by traffic laws is crucial for maintaining safety and minimizing the risk of costly penalties or the need for legal intervention. 

Consequences and Penalties

The legal consequences and penalties for traffic violations in Missouri can range from mild to severe, based on the offense's nature and frequency. They can include: 

• Fines and fees: Monetary penalties are common for most traffic violations, sometimes reaching substantial amounts for more serious offenses. 

• Points on your license: Accrual of points can eventually lead to license suspension or revocation, severely limiting your mobility. 

• Increased insurance premiums: Traffic violations often result in higher insurance costs, which can impact your financial situation. 

• Imprisonment: For severe offenses, especially repeat offenses like DUI, jail time is a real possibility. 

At Bretz Legal, LLC, we have helped hundreds of individuals resolve their traffic tickets, including speeding, driving while suspended/revoked, DWI, no insurance, or stop sign violations. In most cases, clients are able to plead guilty to a non-moving violation and avoid points against their driver's license.

Missouri's Point System

Simply paying the suggested fines can result in higher insurance costs, and it also means points will be added to your license. If you get too many points in too short a time frame, you will face losing your license. An experienced traffic lawyer can help you avoid this outcome. 

If you receive 4 points in 12 months, the Department of Revenue will send you a Point Accumulation Advisory Letter. 

If you receive 8 or more points in 18 months, the Department of Revenue will suspend your driving privileges. 

• Your 1st suspension will be for 30 days 

• Your 2nd suspension will be for 60 days 

• Your 3rd (or more) suspension will be for 90 days 

Aside from facing possible suspensions of your driving privileges, the Department of Revenue will revoke your license for 1 year if you get: 

• 12 or more points in 12 months 

• 18 or more points in 24 months 

• 24 or more points in 36 months 

How Points Come Off Your License

After your Driver's License is reinstated following either a Point Suspension or Revocation, the Department of Revenue will reduce your total points to 4. 

After that, the points will be reduced for every year you drive without getting any new ones on your record. 

• After 1 year, your total remaining points are reduced by one-third 

• After 2 years, your remaining points are reduced by one-half 

• After 3 years, all of your remaining points are reduced to zero 

Caution: Certain types of traffic convictions must remain listed permanently on your Missouri driver record. This means that despite your points total being reduced to zero, you may still have convictions on your record. This is another important reason hiring an experienced traffic lawyer is necessary. Avoiding having your driving record permanently marred by a conviction may help avoid future raises in your insurance rates. 

Various Tickets and Their Points

Speeding (More than 5 MPH Over the Posted Limit) & Excessive Speeding 

• Under State Law - 3 Points 

• Under County Ordinance - 2 Points 

• Under Municipal Ordinance - 2 Points 

Driving While Suspended/Revoked 

• Under State Law, County or Municipal Ordinance - 12 Points (Which means automatic 1 Year Revocation) 

DWI 

• 1st Offense Under State Law, County, or Municipal Ordinance - 8 Points (Which means automatic Suspension) 

• 2nd Offense (and each subsequent offense) Under State Law, County, or Municipal Ordinance - 12 Points (Which means automatic 1 Year Revocation) 

Failure to Produce Insurance ID 

• Under State Law, County or Municipal Ordinance - 4 Points (Which means you'll receive a Point Accumulation Advisory Letter) 

Stop Sign Violation (Rolling Stop) 

• Under State Law or County Ordinance - 2 Points 

• Under Municipal Ordinance With No Accident - 1 Point 

• Under Municipal Ordinance With an Accident - 2 Points 

Why Getting the Help of a Traffic Violations Attorney Is Worth It

Getting a traffic ticket can put a damper on your day, but that doesn't mean you have to just take it. Paying the suggested fines and court costs may seem cheaper than hiring a traffic attorney, but it may result in higher insurance rates because of it. The fact is, after paying higher insurance premiums for years, hiring a Missouri traffic lawyer like Anthony S. Bretz is cheaper in the long run than simply paying the fines and costs. 

Don't do yourself a disservice by skimping on the lawyer fees. In most cases, an experienced attorney can handle your traffic ticket for less than a hundred dollars. More serious tickets may result in higher fees, but in the end, you may save hundreds of dollars in insurance costs. 

Aside from avoiding higher insurance costs, hiring an attorney in St. Louis, Missouri to fix your ticket helps with future speeding tickets. When you get a traffic ticket, the prosecutor will pull your driving record. The more speeding convictions (or convictions for driving while revoked or driving while suspended) that appear on your driving record, the less likely the prosecutor is to work out a deal with no points. Along with always being safe on the road, hiring a lawyer is the best way to ensure you maintain a clean driving record. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do if I've been pulled over for a suspected traffic violation? 

If you're pulled over, remember to stay calm and remain courteous. Provide your license, registration, and insurance information when asked, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. You have the right to politely decline to answer questions until you've had the chance to consult with an attorney. 

How can a traffic violations attorney help me?  

A traffic violations attorney can assess your case, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you in court. Their experience allows them to potentially reduce penalties, argue for the dismissal of charges based on procedural errors or insufficient evidence, and guide you through the legal process. 

Can traffic violations impact my employment?  

Yes, depending on your profession. If your job requires you to drive regularly or maintain a clean driving record, certain violations could jeopardize your employment. Commercial drivers, for example, can face severe repercussions from driving-related offenses. 

What are the steps to contest a traffic ticket?  

To contest a ticket, you must formally plead "not guilty" before or on your court date. It's recommended to consult with a traffic attorney who can help you understand the implications of your case and develop a defense strategy. Your attorney can represent you in court, where they'll present evidence and arguments on your behalf to contest the traffic violation charges.